‘Football Keeps Me Grounded’: Islambo on Arsenal, Super Falcons, and Why Ademola Lookman Deserves More Love

Cape Town-based Afro Lamba trailblazer, Islambo, shares how football has deeply shaped his personal and artistic journey. In this exclusive interview, he reflects on club loyalty, national pride, and the intersection of sport and music, Sport360NG reports.

You’re known for your unique sound, but let’s take it back, what football club do you support, and why?
I’ve been an Arsenal fan for as long as I can remember. It started when I was young, something about their style of play just captured me. I was drawn to the flair, the movement, the quality. It’s been a love story ever since.

Being an Arsenal supporter comes with its highs and lows. Has the club ever let you down?
Of course. Disappointment is part of football. But the one that hurt the most was the 2006 Champions League final. That loss stayed with me. It was tough.

Has football ever influenced your life outside the game, like your mood, your decisions?

Many times. Football has always been a form of therapy for me. When life gets heavy or I’m mentally stressed, I just watch a match to reset. That 2006 final, for instance, I was heartbroken, but football still helped me cope.

Arsenal have been active in the transfer market lately. Do you think this could finally be your season?

Absolutely. I think we’ll top the performances of the past few years. There’s something different about this squad. I feel like they’re not just playing anymore, they’re coming for everything this season.

Which Nigerian player made you proud to be an Arsenal fan?

Kanu Nwankwo, without a doubt. His time at Arsenal made me feel represented. Watching him excel made my connection to the club even stronger.

If you could sign one Nigerian player for Arsenal right now, who would it be?

Ademola Lookman. He has that creativity and tactical edge that suits Arsenal’s system. I’d pick him over Osimhen, honestly.

What’s your earliest memory of watching the Super Eagles?

The Jay-Jay Okocha era. He gave me some of my earliest and best memories of Nigerian football. His flair, control, and dribbling, it was art.

Do you think Nigeria can still lift the AFCON or even the World Cup someday?

I do. I’m optimistic about the AFCON especially. There’s talent in that squad and a hunger that gives me hope.

Who is your all-time favourite Nigerian player, and which legend would you bring back if you could?
Jay-Jay Okocha, hands down. He didn’t just entertain, he led. If he were still playing today, I believe he’d still make a massive impact on the team.

The Super Falcons recently won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Do you think that can change how Nigerians view women’s football?

Yes, and it already is. Social media is playing a huge role, clips, highlights, even memes are helping people engage with women’s football more than ever. Their success is finally being celebrated properly.

In your view, who’s the most underrated Nigerian footballer right now?

Ademola Lookman. He’s incredibly talented, but I don’t think he gets the recognition he truly deserves from fans back home. We need to appreciate him more.

Have your football experiences ever inspired your music?

Yes. I have a track titled ROGER MILLA, named after the Cameroonian legend. It was inspired by his iconic flair and energy on the pitch.

Have any players ever used your songs for celebrations or workouts?

Yes, Asisat Oshoala has. That was a great moment. We haven’t met personally yet, but I’d love to connect with more players.

If you could collaborate with any footballer musically, who would you choose?

Mario Balotelli. His energy is on a different level, and I think we’d create something electric together.

Dream stage: If you could perform before a football final, which match would it be?

The FIFA World Cup final, without a doubt. That’s the biggest stage.

Do you play football or any other sports for fun? How would you rate yourself?

Yes, I play football casually. I’d say I’m a solid six out of 10 on the pitch. But when it comes to football knowledge, I’d give myself an eight.

If you weren’t in music, and had grown up in a sporting household, would you have pursued sports professionally?

Probably basketball. I enjoy it a lot, it’s dynamic, fun, and challenging. It might’ve been my path in a different life.